Millions depend on food aid as pandemic economic troubles continue By CNN staff | February 4, 2021 at 8:17 AM CST - Updated February 4 at 2:35 PM (CNN) - House Democrats are inching closer to approving President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill on party lines. Republicans are fighting for a much smaller spend, but one area they both agree on is the need for more food assistance. “It was life or death. We were either going to starve or we were lucky enough to qualify for SNAP benefits,” Veronica Bedico said. It’s that black and white for Bedico, unemployed with three children at home. The government’s food stamp program is her lifeline.